Winter definitely doesn’t suck in Castlegar. With its mild temperatures, pristine mountain views and plethora of activities, our little city in the valley is the perfect snowy destination. Here you’ll find all kinds of outdoor fun from skiing and skating to tobogganing and snowmobiling as well as indoor excitement that includes everything from five-pin bowling to delicious dining.

In this article we look at a number of possible daily itineraries for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy in and around Castlegar during the winter months. We also share the contact details for various guides and activities along the way.

The Bold & Beautiful Itinerary

MORNING: Go Nordic skiing, downhill skiing, backcountry skiing or snowmobiling with a bold local guide.

AFTERNOON: Go for a beautiful, scenic walk or snowshoe around Millennium Park and enjoy views of the Columbia River and surrounding mountains. Or throw on some skates and play shinny on the outer rink at Kinnaird Park.

NIGHT: Eat at any number of delicious restaurants, from Greek and Mexican to Japanese and Chinese, and then go see a movie.

HERE FOR LONGER? There’s good fishing to be had on Lower Arrow Lake and the Columbia River during the winter months: hire a guide and they’ll take you to the best spots. Go tobogganing with your kids at Cone Hill, Verigin Tomb Memorial Park, or Dove Hill. Or enjoy a snowshoe stroll on the mellow Selkirk College hiking trails or the C&W Rail Trail.

Here is a list of people and companies that can be hired in the Castlegar area to take you on a “Bold & Beautiful” guided excursion.

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING (click on the images to be taken to the company website)

 

SNOWMOBILING

FISHING

The Lost & Found Itinerary

MORNING: Lose yourself in a heritage tour of the city by visiting the Train Station Museum and then wander the downtown core spotting the many artistic sculptures that are the reason Castlegar is the “Sculpture Capital of Canada.”

AFTERNOON: Visit the hydroelectric dams and find out how they keep Castlegar and a lot of the pacific northwest lit up. Alternatively, take in the beautiful artwork at the Kootenay Art Gallery.

NIGHT: Drop in at a local neighbourhood pub or the Tailout Craft Brewery and get lost in the delicious flavours of the local brews and fare.

HERE FOR LONGER? Be sure to explore Millennium Park, go skating at the Recreation Complex, and lose yourself in our many downtown shops.

Here is a list of the various sites around the city.

Art & Heritage (click on the images to be taken to the website)

 

 

The Out & About Itinerary

MORNING: Get outside! Go snowshoeing, fat biking, nordic skiing, snowmobiling, or backcountry skiing.

AFTERNOON: Take your fun inside and try the waterslide at the Recreation Complex, go bowling, or see a movie.

NIGHT: Chat about your day’s adventures over a delicious meal: there’s everything on offer from familiar favourites, such as Boston Pizza, to authentic Indian.

HERE FOR LONGER? Enjoy skiing at the two downhill resorts that are only 30-45 minutes from the city.

Here is a list of various recreational associations and businesses around the city.

Indoor Recreation (click on the images to be taken to the website)

Outdoor Recreation Associations